Registration Now Open for 50th Annual Saguaro National Park Labor Day 8-Miler & 5k Walk/Run

49th Annual Saguaro Race Report

Sep 3, 2019

Hello to the Saguaro runners and walkers! We are so grateful that we had a sold-out field of 750 able to be part of the 49th Annual Saguaro Labor Day Run. Below is a race report, with an update on the speed demons, the fundraising, and the volunteers.

First though, check out the race results here. Early results were a bit skewed by two things, the early starters and the 5k runners who started with the 8-milers. But I think we have that squared away now.

If you think you won an age group award, please visit the Running Shop to pick up your gift certificate or the souvenir opener (remember top three overall in both races, plus top three in each 5-year age group for the 8-miler and first place in 10-year age groups in the 5k Fun Run). Special thanks to Sharon Bart and her crew at The Running Shop for providing gift certificates and hosting pre-race packet pickup.

If you have questions about results, please email me and I'll dig into it.

This year's race was captured in photos (like the one on the right) by Long Realty's Damion Alexander and SAR's Heather Hopkins. Damion's photos can be found at his Damion Alexander Team page. Heather's shots can be seen on the SAR FB page here.

A limited number of race shirts are at The Running Shop, so if you missed the race and want to snag a shirt, head down to 3055 North Campbell and see what sizes are left.

The race raised funds for the Friends of Saguaro and the Southern Arizona Roadrunners. Indeed, if you spent any time in the new shade awning patio at the east end of the Visitor's Center, you can understand how the race's funds go to help the Park.

Finally, some of you saw the runner receiving medical care near the finish line. Thanks to the fast-acting medical crew from the National Park Service and from AMR/Rural Metro, the athlete is fine and in good health.

If you have any questions about the race, please contact me at randy@runtucson.net and I'll get it taken care of! Thanks again for being part of our great Southern Arizona running community!

Randy Accetta, Race Director

RACE REPORT
First place overall went to Nathan Thomas in a time of 42:38. A member of the U.S. Air Force stationed in Oklahoma, the former Sal Point Catholic High School standout came back to Tucson and handled the the rolling hills of the Rincon Mountains with ease, running one of the fastest times in the history of the venerable course. In second place was University of Arizona alumni Randy Arriola, while third place went to Derek Weber, who traveled from Albuquerque, NM.

The women's race included three women who have qualified for the US Olympic Marathon Trials, Katie James, Autumn Ray, and Alita Jokisch. All three women will try to make the Olympic team at the February 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Atlanta. Course record-holder Katie James rose to the challenge, finishing the course in 47:48, within one minute of her course record of 46:39 set in 2016. Second place went to Sedona's Autumn Ray, while Sal Point Cross Country coach Alita Jokisch took third place.

First place in the men's master's 8-miler was speedy Robert Rezetko, while the first master's in the women's race was co-race director Tia Accetta.

One of the few races that are allowed to take place on National Park lands, "Saguaro" as it's known, is Arizona's oldest continual running race. Arizona State Age Group records were set by a handful of runners, including 82-year-old Paul Robilla fomr the Grinders, who covered the 8-mile loop in 1:29:54, a remarkable achievement. Special thanks to long-time friend-of-SAR Dave Hill for helping keep track of our local athletes and doing the record-keeping. The rest of the State Age Group Records include the following:
M51 Robert Rezetko
M63 Benito Gonzalez
M75 Lewis Parkhill
M82 Paul Robillia
F28 Kaitlyn James
F60 Janet Holland
F65 Merry Dearmon
F66 Mary Black

The overall 5k was won by John Malloy, while Eva Bruce took home top honors for the women runners.

As we have indicated, this is one of the few events allowed to take place on actual National Park land. We are grateful to the full team from the Saguaro National Park, including Chief Ranger Ray O'Neill and Superintendent Leah McGinnis. Special thanks to Ranger Steve Bolyard who manage event weekend logistics. Steve met with us a few times before the race to ensure event planning and preparations -- we could not do this without his help. The NPS crew included about 10 Rangers on duty and about 20 volunteers who helped manage traffic, pedestrian safety, route safety and more.

In addition to the National Park Service, we offer special thanks to the 100 or so volunteers and others that it takes to produce this race.

DJ Rich did a great job of giving us plenty of upbeat music and helping with the announcements.

Many members of the SAR Board contributed a great deal to race production: Sheryl and Steve Felde, Diane Manzini, Lauren Erderlyi, Heather Hopkins, Caroline Gardiner, Dave Dixon, and Denise Gezinzki all put their wheel to the grindstone on race weekend, while Doreen Davis managed the SAR materials and Heather and Amye helped with all the pre-race marketing on social media and email. SAR Office Manager Lucas Tyler did a ton of help behind the scenes -- and had a good race on top of it all! Timing was done by Greg Wenneborg (9-time Saguaro champ, if you care about that sort of thing).

The water stations at Miles 2, 4, and 6 were managed by the enthusiastic teen-age runners from Sahuaro High School Cross Country team -- special thanks to long-time SAR member Pam North for helping coordinate them!

The Mile 7 water station was managed by the Tucson Tri-Girls -- that was a busy station as it also included the out-and-back for the 5k!

The runners of The Workout Group were instrumental in handling weekend registration, early-morning set-up and late-morning break-down -- thanks to the WOG family for all the running support you provide SAR! Special thanks to Steve Outridge and Michele Hawk for managing the course logistics and driving the truck around and around the loop.

As race director, I think I did not order enough portojohns, so I will fix that for next year -- sorry for the delays on that end! Other than that, it seemed like things went pretty well. Let me know if you think otherwise at randy@runtucson.net.

Saguaro National Park Labor Day 8 Miler and 5k results now posted

Registration Closed + Details for all Saguaro Labor Day Run Participants

Aug 30, 2019

Registration has closed for SAR's Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run. If you have signed up, though, please see all the race details below. If you still have questions after reading everything, contact Race Director Randy Accetta

Monday, September 2nd

Saguaro National Park EAST, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail Rd
5:15-6:00 AM Packet pick-up at Saguaro Park EAST
You can pick up your shirts and numbers at the SAR tents in the main parking lot near the Visitor’s Center. There is no race day registration, only number/shirt pick-up. You can pick up the shirt and number of someone else, but this is capped to 5 total people at a time -- please be respectful of the people in line and don't spend a year-and-a-half trying to figure out if the t-shirt is the perfect size.

Note: If you want to change from the 8-miler to the 5k, please give enough time to meet with the official race timer to manage your switch. There is no need to change your registration or your number. Because this is chip-timed, your 5k time will be recorded.

NO: There is no race day registration, so please do not expect to be able to register on race day Monday.

5:45 am Early start gathering at the starting line for the early start in the 8-mile for walkers and walk/runners. If you anticipate spending longer than 2 hours on the course, please start early. Note, early starters are not eligible for awards or Grand Prix points, except for age-groups 65+. It will be hot on race morning, so please make the safe choice.

6:15 8-milers can begin to line up at flagpole, 5k behind the 8-milers. In both races, please line up in order of your expected racing pace: 5-minutes/mile at the front; 6-minutes/mile behind them, and so forth.

9:00 Official course closure -- for safety's sake, the National Park Service reserves the right to pick up any participants still on the course starting at 9:00 am.
Parking

Parking

PLEASE CAR POOL! The National Park Service is creating a DROP Zone (get it? Drop Runners Off at Park - DROP). This way you can drop off a car-load of runners in front of Saguaro East, then go park.
Participants can park on Old Spanish Trail, Freeman Road, and Escalante. Please obey traffic laws and don't park in driveways. Please allow at least 2 car lengths between you and a stop sign.
Please be sure that you don't block the bicycle lanes -- keep your wheels to the outside of the road so that bike traffic is not impaired. Please keep an eye out for bike riders and be sure to share the road.
Please note that the Pima County Department of Transportation is monitoring the race to ensure that we are complying with safety and legal regulations.
Remember, the later you arrive, the farther away from the starting line you will have to park.

IMPORTANT: Do not bring pets to the event - and do not leave them in your car!!

Restrooms: Please use restrooms provided by Waste Management – the restrooms will be readily visible on Park grounds, just west of the race staging area.

NOTE: the restroom lines go faster if you make a line for each one and you stand closer to the doors!!!
Do NOT go to the bathroom in the desert: the Park Service reserves the right to hand out fines.

Timing
Please put your bib number on the front of your shirt using the pins provided at registration. Greg Wenneborg is our official timer, and he is using the chip-based timing system from IPICO, so your bib will have an RFID tag on the back of the bib. Please leave this on your bib and don't bend it.

Course and Staging Information
No Headphones: Please do NOT wear headphones. Headphones are strongly discouraged -- not only is it unsafe to run without one of your main senses, we want this to be a fun, community event -- so talk with the strangers you're running with, then outsprint 'em to the finish!!
Plus, rattlesnakes rattle for a reason -- you will want to hear 'em if they get angry . . .
(As an aside, for reasons of personal safety and public courtesy, we recommend that you NEVER wear headphones when you run outside.)

The 5k Run & Walk course covers a flatter (but still rolling) course that is suitable for strollers and families.
This is an out-and-back with a 180-degree turnaround down by the picnic ground. Please stay to the right the whole way. About 40 minutes into the 5k the 8-mile lead runners will start to pass you -- please give them the right-of-way.

All 5k participants: Please stay on the right of the road at all times -- go out on the right, turn around and come back on the right.
Strollers and walkers in the 5k-- please stay to the RIGHT on the route on both the out and the back - this will ensure that the 8-miler leaders can pass you during their final racing mile.

The 8-Mile Course is hilly, so please be prepared for the sun and the heat. If you plan on being on the course for more than two hours, please bring your own water to ensure your safety. Please start the race in approximate order of your estimate minutes-per-mile, with the fastest runners at the front.
No strollers are allowed on the 8-mile course.
The 8 Miler is part of The Running Shop SAR Grand Prix. Thanks to Dave Hill for ensuring that we are a measured course. The course is USATF Certified, #14-48-523.

No bicycles, wheelchairs, skateboards, roller skates or pets allowed on the 8 mile or 5k course.
Water Stations - Long-time friend of Tucson running, Culligan Water will be located at approximately 2, 4, 6 and 7 miles -- and the 1 & 2 mile marks in the 5k.
Students from Sahuaro High School Cross Country will be at the 2, 4, and 6 mile marks.
Thanks to our friends the Tucson Tri-Girls for handling the water stations at mile 7, which is also the 1 and 2 mile mark for the 5k. The National Park Service will also have volunteers at the 7-mile mark.

Thanks to volunteers from The Workout Group for coordinating the refreshing water at the start/finish line.

Be sure to use the garbage and recycling containers provided by Waste Management.

AMR provides a dedicated ambulance at the finish line.
Thanks to Waste Management for providing the privees. Please do not use the desert to relieve yourself: the Park Service may fine you - and a snake may bite you!!

5K: Top three men and women, plus first place in age groups in 10-year categories: 0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 +
Overall 1, 2, 3 $25, $20, $15 + bottle opener
Masters 1 $15 + bottle opener
AG 1 bottle opener
In these races, there is no double-dipping. Overall winner will be taken out of all Age Group awards.

In these races, there is no double-dipping. Overall winner will be taken out of all Age Group awards.

Race Director Prize Money Challenge: The first man who breaks race director Randy's course PR of 42:48 will receive $424.80 in cash on the barrelhead. The first woman who breaks a gender-graded equivalent of 47:48 will receive $474.80 in cash on the barrelhead.

Souvenir Medal for Saguaro Announced

Only 400 slots remain for the Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run on September 2, 2019

Aug 1, 2019

You can still sign up for the 49th Annual Saguaro Labor Day 8-Miler and 5k. You can mail in a form by August 15th, or you can sign up online here. Remember, the race is capped at 750 total runners and walkers, so make sure you snag a spot. The 8 boxes of race medals have arrived -- we'll show you some photos shortly! Questions? Contact race director Randy Accetta at randy@runtucson.net.

49 Years Old, but faster than ever

Sep 4, 2018

Race Report

by Randy Accetta, Race Director

Thanks to the hundreds of Tucson-area runners who came out to our gorgeous Saguaro National Park to celebrate this great sport of running!

We are fortunate to have such a vibrant community of fitness friends -- indeed, we are also fortunate to have good friends who take their personal time to catalogue the events - we are grateful for their volunteer hours in service of creating memories for our runners. Please thank our friends Kerry Whelan (aka The Goatographer) and Damion Alexander.

NOW, the Saguaro Labor Day Run turned 49 yesterday -- but the true number of the day was 41:33. Nicholas Hilton completed the filly 8-mile circuit through the cactus forest of Saguaro National Park at a clip of 5:12 per mile to set a course record at Arizona's oldest race.

Chased by Harry Mulenga, whose runner-up time of 43:27 was one of the top 15 times in the history of the course, Hilton took the lead from the get-go and never looked back. Now living in Flagstaff, Hilton spent a few years living in Oro Valley but had never raced Saguaro before. In post-race conversation, he remarked how this race will set him up for his upcoming New York Marathon. To paraphrase, the 59th Street Bridge and the Central Park hills got nothin' on Saguaro!

For his efforts, Hilton was rewarded with a gift certificate from The Running Shop, a Running Shop-inspired saguaro key chain momento, and a check of $424.80 for crushing the race director's time 25 years ago.

The top five in the men's race included HIlton's 41:33, Mulenga's 43:27, and Japhet Kipkoech in 43:55. Fourth place went to the Running Shop's Randy Arriola in 44:45, while fifth place was former course record holder Craig Curley in 45:36. Curley has been taking a break from training and looks to round into shape throughout the fall season.

The women's race had its own drama, as Heather Jackson and Aleta Jokish waged a back-and-forth duel. Jokish, a cross country coach at SalPointe High School and UofA graduate student, took the early lead. Jackson, a triathlete who dabbles in running, caught her on the big hill, only to have Jokish respond. However, it was Jackson who prevailed over the final rolling hills to take home the women's crown for the second year in a row. Jackson's 51:26 was 13 seconds better than Jokisch's 51:39, while TRP's Lauren Reasoner rounded out the top three in 53:35.

The 5k saw some serious speed, too, as the women's 8-mile course record holder, Katie James, dashed the hilly 3.1 mile course in 17:36 to win the race outright. Katie is tuning up for a half-marathon later this month, as she prepares for a go at a fast marathon in Sacramento in December.

Age-Group and Awards

Thanks to Sharon Bart and The Running Shop for providing the gift cards and commemorative key chains. As you check the results page, please be sure to visit the Running Shop before the end of September to get your awards. If you have any questions about your overall time or place, please contact the race timer (himself a 10-time champion of Saguaro) Greg Wenneborg at greg@roadrunnerracetiming.com or contact the race director here.

The 8-Miler served as the Road Runners Club of America Arizona State 8-Mile Championship race. RRCA State Champions include:

Men's Open: Nicholas Hilton

Women's Open: Heather Jackson

Men's Masters: Ken Tuck (the Master's State Champ is awarded to the first 40+ finisher -- Kevin Tuck is 62!)

Women's Masters: Janet Holland

Men's Grand Masters: Joel Stamp

Women's Grand Masters: Merry Dearmon

Men's Super-Grand Masters: John Mclean

Women's Super-Grand Masters: Sue Ahrens

Staging and Volunteers
Overall it was a beautiful day at Saguaro National Park, with an overcast and humid dawn turning hot by mid-morning. Ranger Steve Bolyard, Chief Ranger Ray O'Neil, and the rest of the Park Service employees and volunteers deserve our special thanks for ensuring a safe and happy day at the Park. AMR was on hand for any medical emergencies, but, fortunately, were not called into action.

The volunteer crew from the Southern Arizona Roadrunners deserves special mention for creating a gracious and welcoming race experience. The four Water Stations were handled by, respectively, the high school cross country team and coach Pam North from Sahuaro High School at Mile 2 and Mile 4; the youth soccer team led by Caryn Fraser at Mile 6; and the Tucson Tri-Girls at Mile 7 and the 5k Water Stops. The finish line water station and food stations were handled by the gang from Southwest Endurance, one of Tucson's happiest beginning running groups.

Special thanks to the crew from The Workout Group for all the set-up, breakdown, and course management. I am sure I will miss some folks, but here is the list compiled by SAR Volunteer Coordinator Sheryl Felde:

This race could not be produced without the help of Linda Whelan, who has spent countless hours helping ensure that our details are detailed! And it almost goes without saying that the family of Tia Accetta and children Aric and Anabelle are crucial parts of this. I get to write the race report, but Tia does way more than anybody realizes in support of this and other races.

Saguaro National Park Labor Day 8 Miler and 5k Results now Posted

Rain or Shine, plus Final Saguaro Details, with email to registrants and list of participants

Aug 31, 2018

1) Click here for race email to participants. The race will go on rain or shine, unless the National Park Service deems that the conditions are dangerous. However, in the past 48 years, the event has never been cancelled. 2) In-person registration and packet pickup at The Running Shop Saturday from 10-1 (3055 North Campbell Ave). 3) Race Day packet pickup begins at Saguaro National Park EAST at 5:30 at main visitor parking lot.

4) Here is a list of pre-registered, as of Friday morning, August 31. Problems? Email race director Randy Accetta at randy@runtucson.net and we'll try to get it taken care of!

Visit The Running Shop at 3055 North Campbell Avenue and pick up your number and your shirt. You can also register in person on Saturday, September 1st. Please note that there is no race day registration, so registration ends at 1:00 pm on Saturday, September 1st at The Running Shop.

Thanks to the Road Runners Club of America for naming the Saguaro National Park Run the RRCA Arizona State 8-Mile Championship, with special commemorative medallions to the first male and female in the Open Division, Master's Division (40+), Grand-Master's Division 50+) and Super Grand Master's 60+.

Special thanks to The Running Shop, long-time sponsor of SAR and the Saguaro Labor Day Run, for the awesome awards for the 49th Annual race!

Race Report for 48th Saguaro!

Sep 4, 2017

Well, that was a fun morning, wasn't it? The manadatory cap on race participants made it feel like a party for the cool kids -- or, should I say, a party for "we're-a-little-bit-loopy-in-a-nice-way-kids" -- the kind of runners that like to slog their way up hill after hill after hill, with the hot sun rising over the Rincons and beating down. Yup, today's runners and walkers were definately the crazy kids . . . and yet, smiles were everywhere, with happy bell-ringing and laughter and music. Nicely done all!

Results: Check the results page here -- if you won an age group or overall award, please visit the Running Shop at 3055 North Campbell sometime in September to get your tote bag and your Running Shop Gift Certificate. If you signed up for the race but did not run, you can grab a leftover shirt from The Running Shop -- but we don't have a ton left, so it will be first-come, first-served . . .

If you have any post-race questions, please contact Randy Accetta here or Tia Accetta here.

Now, on to the details . . .

In the flagship 8-miler, first place over the demanding loop course went to first-time champ 23-year-old Tyler Bauer, running with the UofA Wildcat Running Club and The Workout Group. Tyler took an early lead then held on against the second place runner, Aaryn Olsson, 41, who is making quite the splash in the running scene, picking up the sport after a couple of decades away.

Third place overall was also the first place woman, as professional triathlete Heather Jackson from Bend, Oregon led the way in 50:52. Second place woman was former Pima standout, Tanaya Gallagher in 42:23, coming down from Sedona, while third place went to local standout Lauren Reasoner, who was on hand at 5:00 am to volunteer -- she wins the world championship of volunteering/racing!

In the rolling 5k, Merle Crutchfield IV took first place in 1854, followed by Charles Iglehart in 19:19 and David Jeck in 20:54. First female was Sharon Snyder in 22:23, holding off Alonna Hannibal, all of 12 years old who completed the out-and-back in 22:51. Julesha Jones, 44, took third.

Farther down the list of finishers was Lupita Hernandez, a visually-impaired runner completing the 5k for the first time.

Our last place finisher in the 8-miler was a Meet Me at Maynard's stalwart, Wilma Valdanegro, in just over 3 hours!

Speaking of first-timers, DJ Rich cranked the tunes for his first Saguaro race -- thanks to DJ Rich Mayorga!

While most of the runners and walkers came from the Tucson area, runners from Florida, Washington, DC, California, Virginia, Georgia, Oklahoma, Colorado, Illinois, Oregon, Washington State, Florida, New Mexico, Kansas, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and South Dakota cruised the cactus forest courses. One fellow raced in Tulsa on Saturday and flew in Sunday just to do the race! Our fathest visitor cameall the way from Sao Paulo, Brazil!

We want to thank the more than 100 folks who helped with the race: the runners at Sahuaro High School who handed out water at Miles 2, 4, and 6. The Tucson Tri-GIrls who screamed and yelled at Mile 7, bringing in our last finisher, Grandma Wilma! The high school cross country Wolves of St. Augustine, who shouldered water bottle after water bottle to ensure that all the finishers were hydrated. The Roadrunner Timing crew made sure everything was spot-on at the finish line.

Finally, special thanks to the crew at Saguaro National Park for all their cheer -- from volunteers to Rangers, you made our day!

Volunteers

Below is a list of some of those who labored this morning, but special appreciation is due to Steve and Sheryl Felde for all the registration efforts over the weekend and to Michelle Hawk and Steve Outridge, for their hours in the rental truck, first dropping the mile markers and the water stations, then looping again to pick everything up.

Kerry and Linda Whelan did all sorts of work -- pretty much behind the scenes the whole way, from Linda's pre-race organizing to Kerry's race weekend photography -- not to mention all of his unsung post-race photo work! Thanks to Jen and Chris Garcia for helping with the free kids dash! Nicely done!!

Here's a list of the rest of the volunteers who spent their time making sure we all were happy and safe today:

Saguaro National Park Labor Day 8 Miler and 5k results now posted

Race Week Updates for Saguaro Labor Day Run!

Aug 29, 2017

Registration for Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run is closed. However, if you are registered, please click here for race weekend details,including packet pickup, race day schedules, and more. Old-timers will remember when this race was the Saguaro National Monument Run. In the last days of his presidency in 1933, Herbert Hoover established Saguaro National Monument, while it received National Park status in 1994. We are grateful to our friends at Saguaro for allowing us to be one of the few races produced on National Park lands. Park Ranger Steve Bolyard, Rincon Mountain District Ranger Miranda Cook, and Saguaro Chief Ranger Ray O'Neill have all provided above-and-beyond support for this race over the years. It takes a lot of folks to help with this race, so if you see a Park Service employee, please thank them for their efforts!

Ready, set, go—registration open for TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day 5k Run/Walk & the 8-mile

Jun 28, 2017

Remember, the Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run is capped at 750 total runners. As of today, about 300 spots in the 8-miler have been filled, so we're opening the 5k Run/Walk registration on July 1st.

TMC Saguaro Announcement

Wow, that was fast -- within 6 hours 27 SAR members had already claimed their spot at the September 4 TMC Saguaro Labor Day Run!

Check your email for the news on this year's race. Here's part of what we sent out:

HELLO TO THE SAR EMAIL COMMUNITY: Randy Accetta here, long-time race director for SAR's TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run, writing to give you an update on some of the issues facing the Saguaro Run this year.

The Saguaro race was the first race ever put on by SAR, 48 years ago. This scenic course and the post-race festivities truly embrace the spirit of the old Southwest, making the upcoming 48th Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run a regional favorite. Indeed, up until a decade ago, about 600 runners completed the race every year. But last year, over 1,400 registered overall.

Here's the problem: the surrounding roads have gotten more and more crowded and the National Park itself has gotten more and more popular. Thus, for 2017, we've been asked by the National Park Service and Pima Department of Transportation to put a hard cap of 750 on the event.

Thus, here are the Three Big Changes for 2017

1) Cap of 750, registration for the public opens on April 1: There will now be a hard cap of only 750 total participants. We will open registration on April 1st. (Current SAR members have already received an email with directions to early registration and the SAR member discount. You can join SAR here.)

2) 8-Mile only, for now: To honor Tucson's running history and to enable those who are competing in SAR's Running Shop Grand Prix, we are opening registration only for the 8-miler.

Registration will open on April 1st and will be open solely for the 8-miler until June 30th.

Starting July 1st, any of the 750 slots left open will be allotted to the 5k Run/Walk. If there are no spaces available, then there will be no 5k -- just the 8-miler and a free kid's dash.

3) This race is NOT part of the Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown: we know the Saguaro race is popular and we don't think it is fair that you would have to pay for three races just to do one race. So, as part of the Triple Crown honoring Gabe Zimmerman, we're developing a brand new 10k, currently scheduled for Sunday, September 17th, staged at Pima Community College West, looping the beautiful cactus forests of the Tucson Mountains. This "Tucson 10k" event will have a 5k, a 10k, and a children's dash, too. Details on this race are here.

Well, I hope this helps clarify some of the things you may have heard through the grapevine, but if you have any questions please email me at randy@runtucson.net or call me at 520-991-0733.

TMC Saguaro: September 7th post-race updates

Sep 7, 2016

Post Race Report: Read the post-race email to the race participants here, including the race report here . . . in which we congratulate the speedsters, thank the volunteers, thank the National Park Service and the sponsors (like Tucson Medical Center, the Running Shop, Muscle Milk, Daily Star, Tucson Lifestyle Magazine, The Morning Blend, and Cox Communications), and say how much we appreciate all of you for being such great members of the Southern Arizona Roadrunners community! Click here to take the post-race survey.

Photos: Erik Wilkerson from Oro Valley Photography has emailed race participants with information on purchasing your amazing souvenir photos from this scenic race. Here is the link to his catalogue of race photos. The social media sized images are available for FREE through the photo sponsorship by Costa Vida Tucson. You can post directly to your social media from the icons on the bottom of the image. Additionally, you can right-click on your image to download. The password for the FREE download is the avenue name for Costa Vida Tucson. For all of you using social media, please tag @RunSAR and @RunTucson with hashtags #TMCSaguaro #GabeZimmermanTripleCrown #RunSAR #RunTucson with photo credit to @orovalleyphotography.

More Photos: Kerry Whelan, aka, Goatographer, has taken some of the most beautiful running photos in the history of the world -- you can see his work here at the SAR facebook page and here at his Goatographer page. Damion Alexander has become another wonderful running photographer -- check out his photos at The Damion Alexander Team here.

Results and Awards: Check results here. If you won an age group prize, you can pick up your awards throughout the month of September at The Running Shop (3055 North Campbell). Questions about timing? Contact Roadrunner Timing here.

Shirts and Medals:

1) We're in the process of ordering another round of shirts for the 78 of you who didn't get a shirt on race day. These are customized shirts, and we hope to have them at The Running Shop for pick up within a few weeks.

2) The TMC Saguaro race medals are at The Running Shop, so all Virtual Triple Crown participants can grab their medal. Please postyour photos to the SAR facebook page tagging @RunSAR and @RunTucson with hashtags #TMCSaguaro #GabeZimmermanTripleCrown #RunSAR #RunTucsonVirtual Triple Crown medals at The Running Shop by September 9th.

3) We are working with our supplier to order more of the large Cactus Medal for the Triple Crown participants. At the moment, we count 16 people who need one. We'll know more shortly and will get in touch with Triple Crown participants.

Thanks to all who came out to the 47th Annual TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run. A number of records were set, so let's start this recap with the press announcement we've sent out:

26-Year-Old Course Record Smashed at 47th Annual Saguaro Labor Day Run

Tucson newcomer Katie James won Monday's TMC Saguaro Labor Day 8-Mile race in 46:39, smashing the previous course record by over a minute. Taking the lead in the first steps and outrunning the previous two winners, the 25-year-old James ran her first four miles in 23:12 and closed the second half of the race in a similar 23:27, for an average pace of 5 minutes and 50 seconds per mile over the extremely hilly Saguaro National Park East 8-mile road. Running comfortably, James broke the course record of 47:44 set by Stephanie Wessel 26 years ago in 1990.

Second place in the women's race went to 2014 champion Autumn Ray, in 50:39, while Amy Cole, the 2015 and 2013 winner, took third place in 51:32.

Andrew Lemoncello, won the men's race in a blistering 42:04, a mere 25 seconds off the course record set by former Pima Community College standout Craig Curley. A former British Olympian now living in Flagstaff, the 33-year-old Lemoncello easily outdistanced the field, beating second place finisher Robert Scribner's 44:39 by over two minutes. Third place went to last year's runner-up, Kurt Michels in 45:06.

Over 1,500 runners, the most in the 47-year history of the race, signed up to run Tucson's oldest running race. The event raised funds for the Friends of Saguaro National Park, Cox Charities, Child and Family Resources, and the Southern Arizona Roadrunners.

Thanks for the photos Kerry Whelan, aka Goatographer!!

And yes, you read that correctly: over 1500 folks registered for the race, making this the largest field ever (yup, we were allowed to go over our initial limit by the Park Service). This explains why we ran out of t-shirts -- we'll send a note with details on the next steps for both the race shirts and the Triple Crown materials. We hope you all enjoyed receiving the finisher medals! Thanks to Sharon Bart and the Running Shop for all the great awards, including those nifty age-group socks!!! If you won an age-group award, please go to the Running Shop to pick it up! Congratulations to Merry Dearmon and Kevin Tuck for winning the BEAT YOUR AGE awards in the 8-miler!! Congratulations, too, to Yvonne Valenzuela for displaying the heart of champion!!

Special thanks to the SAR Board for all the help with the race, led by announcer extraordinaire Tim Bentley and Steve Outridge, Diane Manzini, Dari Duvall, Steve Felder, Sheryl Felde, Lucas Tyler, Gary Giese, and Don Branaman. Of course, the National Park Service did a great job of making sure we were all safe, as did the fine crew from Rural Metro!

Special thanks to Ross Zimmerman and Emily Nottingham for allowing us the privilege of making this race the second leg of the Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown!

Now, in case you're new to Tucson running, the timer for this and many other races is 8-time Saguaro 8-mile winner (and 3-time Olympic Trials marathoner) Greg Wenneborg, one of the best runners in the history of Tucson (see Greg Hanson's DailyStar column from a few years ago).

Special thanks to St. Augustine High School coach Tim Bentley and the students & parents for volunteering to hand out medals at the finish line and manage the water station at the finish line. Thanks, too, to the cross country team from Sahuaro HS for managing the Mile 2 and Mile 4 water stops; to the group from Vision Quest for handling water stop at Mile 6; and to the great women from the Tucson Tri-Girls who did double-duty at the water stop at the 5k Mile 1 and 2 and the Mile 7 of the 8-miler -- that is a lot of water to hand out!!

Special thanks to Mulcogi Seng and Michelle Hawk for helping with the Triple Crown tent above and beyond the call of duty!

I owe a special thanks, too, to Tia Accetta for all of her race day duties. As three-time winner of the 8-miler, it's tough for her to not be out there racing -- but I am certainly grateful for all of her work on the race!!

As of September 1st, TMC Saguaro registration has closed. If you missed registration, we have provided a special coupon code for the first 15 who want to register for the Halloween weekend TMC Get Moving Tucson events. Register online for the Tucson Lifestyle 5k or the TMC AMountain Half-Marathon and use the coupon code SOLDOUTSAGUARO to receive $10 off your 5k or half-marathon price (discount ends on September 9th).

Email to TMC Saguaro race registrants

Aug 19, 2016

Click here for the first round of details on the TMC Saguaro Labor Day Run packet pickup, race day schedules, parking, awards, the National Park Service, and more. So grab a rocking chair & root beer and settle down for a nice read . . . please consider joining our non-profit running club. SAR is a grass-roots, member-driven running club committed to making our region better through running. SAR members receive discounts to our races, a quarterly newsletter, discounts to local businesses and a cool t-shirt. See http://www.azroadrunners.org to join the club!

New TMC Saguaro Logo Announced!

Jul 14, 2016

Check out the 2016 TMC Saguaro logo -- we're helping the National Park Service celebrate their 100th anniversary -- thanks to Presidents Teddy Roosevelt and Woodrwo Wilson for having the foresight to ensure that our national community would have such beautiful national lands!

Saguaro National Park Labor Day 8 Miler and 5k age group results now posted

Sep 9, 2015

Results for the 5k and 8 Miler can be found here. I apologize for the delay. We had an unfortunate chip and timing mat malfuntion at the starting line and were unable to pick up the start times. All results are gun time. Age Group awards can be picked up at The Running Shop.

46th Annual TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run in the books!

Sep 7, 2015

Congratulations to overall men's winner Stephen Schaefer and to overall women's winner Amy Cole for leading the way around the hilly 8-mile Saguaro National Park loop road in today's Labor Day race. Congratulations, too, to Jamie Herschberger and to Claire Hans for winning the 5k. The race timer is hard at work handling the post-race data, so we should have final results for the 8-mile and the 5k available shortly. If by Wednesday morning you are still uncertain of your posted results, please contact me at randy@runtucson.net.

A highlight of the Tucson running calendar for almost half a century now, the TMC Saguaro race saw plenty of determined runners and happy faces, as over 1,100 runners and walkers finished the 8-mile and 5k. Thanks to all the race participants and race sponsors such as Tucson Medical Center and Cox Charities, over $10,000 will go to Saguaro National Park, Friends of Saguaro National Park, and the Southern Arizona Roadrunners, with another $8,000 being raised for Child and Family Resources through the Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown. Special thanks to all of the regional National Park Service staff for their hard work in making this event happen. As we begin to celebrate the Centennial Year of America's National Park, we are especially grateful for our local Park treasure.

Special thanks, too, to our wonderful water station volunteers: parents and students from St. Augustine High School managed the water at the finish line, while Pam and Christian's runners from the Sahuaro Cross Country team handled MIles #2 and 4, while Shane's athletes from Catalina HS handled Mile #6. The Tucson Tri-Girls and the National Park Service were on hand for mile 7, which was also the water stop for the 5k.

Sheryl Felde coordinated the volunteers for the Southern Arizona Roadrunners. Special thanks to all the runners from The Workout Group who pitched in, including these great people:

Saguaro National Park Results

Final Update for TMC Saguaro

Sep 6, 2015

Hello to the participants in Monday's TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run. Below are some updates, along with a repeat of the million race items from previous emails. See the race page for all race details

Weather
Conflicting reports have it either clear or rainy on Monday morning (see image from weatherunderground.com way below). We will hold the race rain or shine; however, the National Park Service reserves the right to make race morning decisions in the event of dangerous lightening. If it is a drenching rain, please be especially kind and gracious to the volunteers as we handle packet pick up and all the race logistics.National Park Centennial
Did you know that Labor Day marks the beginning of the year-long National Park Centennial Celebration? See http://www.nps.gov/subjects/centennial/index.htm for details! More Park Service News: New leadership
Did you know that the Saguaro Park has some new folks? New Chief Ranger Ray O'Neil and new East Side Supervisory Ranger Miranda Cook have never been to a Saguaro race, so please be nice and show them a great Tucson welcome!!
Special thanks to U.S. Park Ranger Steve Bolyard for handling all of the race logistics.
Special thanks to Park Superintendent Darla Sidles -- she will be running the race!

Run/Walk Schedule
5:15-6:00 You can pick up your shirt and number on race morning, Monday, September 7th, at the SAR membership tables the maintenance yard at Saguaro EAST, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail Road. At packet pick-up, you will receive a shirt and race number with the timing tag attached to the number.
As we have said, we cannot guarantee that you will receive the perfect size that you want, so please be gracious to our volunteers and take the nearest size that fits you!
Please be sure your race number is pinned to the front of your shirt or shorts. To be included in official timing, you must cross the start/finish line mats.
6:10 5k Run/Walk finish lining up for start at the flagpole in front of the Visitor Center. Please arrive early enough to get your number and use the restrooms as you need. When you line up for the race, please line up in minutes/mile order: 5- and 6-minute milers at the front, 7-minute milers behind them, 8-minute milers behind them, and so forth.
6:15 Announcements about the National Park Centennial by Saguaro Superintendent Darla Sidles; Ross Zimmerman; and Julia Strange from TMC.
6:19 Moment of silence for raising of the American flag
6:20 5k Run/Walk Race Start: you will head out of the Park's parking lot and head to the right. Please stay on the right side of the road all the way towards the Picnic Grounds. The turn-around is down the hill by the picnic grounds. It is a 180-degree turn-around, so please be prepared for the turn-around. Please stay to the right side of the road on the way out and the way back. No bicycles, wheelchairs, skateboards, roller skates or pets allowed on the course.
6:25 8-Milers line up as soon as the 5k runners and walkers leave the starting area. When you line up for the race, please line up in minutes/mile order: 5- and 6-minute milers at the front, 7-minute milers behind them, 8-minute milers behind them, and so forth.
6:30 8-Mile start -- remember the 8-milers will leave the starting area and head to the left going in a clockwise direction.
7:15 or so At some point, the 8-mile lead runners will start to pass the final 5k participants -- please give them the right-of-way.
8:00 Approx: 5k Awards Ceremony at the SAR tent in the maintenance yard, with raffle prizes from Craig Dabler Jewelry and a t-shirt grab bag raffle
9:00 Approx: 8-Mile Awards Ceremony at the SAR tent in the maintenance yard, with raffle prizes from Craig Dabler Jewelry and a t-shirt grab bag raffle

Parking
Parking is allowed on Pima County roads, including Old Spanish Trail, Escalante, and Freeman. Please follow all traffic laws and please do NOT park in driveways or in any way block the neighbors.
The National Park Service is once again providing a drop-off zone in front of the Saguaro East entrance. Please be courteous and safe when parking and when dropping folks off. This is a crowded event, so please allow plenty of time to park and make your way safely to the starting line.Be Safe
Saguaro is a demanding course and it will be a hot day. We will have water on hand, but if you will be running for more than 90 minutes, you might want to bring your own water. Our race shirts will be white, and we encourage you to wear light-weight, light-colored clothing -- perhaps with a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. No bicycles, wheelchairs, skateboards, roller skates or pets allowed on the 8 mile or 5k course. If you see a snake, do NOT try to pet it.

Social Media
Please feel free to share your photos and race story with #Saguaro on the SAR facebook page, at instagram @RunSAR and @RunTucson, and on twitter @RunTucson.

Refreshments
Muscle Milk will be on hand with refreshing post-race recovery drinks, while Culligan is providing water. TMC is once again providing snacks, while local company R-Bar Energy will provide their great-tasting energy bar samples.
Post-race expo-style booths will include a Tucson Medical Center tent with room for stretching, the Tucson Racquet and Fitness Club, the National Park Service, Friends of Saguaro, The Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection, Team Red White and Blue, Mulcogi's Flag Display, the Running Shop, BJ's restaurant; the ATA/CV5050, the cool new SAR membership tent, and others.
Students from Cortiva Massage will be on hand providing post-race massage.
The National Park Service Visitor Center will be open early, so you can browse, relax, partake in a raffle, and enjoy the coolness. Check out the discounts and raffle prizes, too!Volunteers
Thanks to all who help: the over 100 volunteers who make this event possible: water station volunteers include the high school cross country teams from Sahuaro High School, Catalina High School, and St. Augustine High School. The Tucson Tri-Girls and National Park Service volunteers will be at the 7-mile mark as well, while members of the Southern Arizona Roadrunners and the Workout Group will handle most of the volunteer chores.
Rural Metro is again providing ambulance support, while Waste Management is putting out plenty of portojohns, including one near the 4 mile mark. Please do NOT use the desert for your personal needs -- this is unsafe, unsanitary, and illegal and the Park Service has indicated that our permit is dependent on the good behavior of Park visitors.

Triple Crown News for September 7 TMC Saguaro

1. If you signed up for the 2015 Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown, you will get your Triple Crown shirt and race medals at Saguaro National Park East on Monday morning (NOT at the Running Shop).

2. The Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown tent will be in the maintenance yard staging area, near the SAR tent.

3) The Triple Crown tent will have these items:
* TMC Saguaro Triple Crown finisher medallions, for both the 5k and 8-miler - note: these medallions are only for Triple Crown registrants

* The Run Tucson/Run Your Passion shirts for new Triple Crown registrants and for those who did not get them at the TMC Meet Me Downtown - again, we tried to get the appropriate sizing, but please take the size that fits best. We do not anticipate doing another printing.

* TMC Meet Me Downtown finisher medallions for those who signed up for the Triple Crown and who finished MMD, but who did not get them at MMD.

Entries now closed for both TMC Saguaro and the Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown

Aug 31, 2015

Click here for all the updated details on the TMC Saguaro National Park Run. Read below for Triple Crown details. Unfortunately, though, we've hit our registration cap for the TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run and for the 2015 Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown. Thank you to everyone who has signed up for these great events. At 835, our Triple Crown numbers skyrocketed this year -- we hope that you are enjoying the series and we're happy to donate $8,350 to Child and Family Resources directly from these registrations!

Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown Details
1. If you signed up for the Triple Crown, you will get your shirt and medals at Saguaro National Park East on race morning (NOT at the Running Shop).
2. The Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown tent will be in the maintenance yard, near the SAR tent.
3) The Triple Crown tent will have these items:
* TMC Saguaro Triple Crown finisher medallions, for both the 5k and 8-miler - note, these are only for Triple Crown registrants
* Blue Run Tucson/Run Your Passion shirts for new Triple Crown registrants and for those who did not get them at the TMC Meet Me Downtown - again, we tried to get the appropriate sizing, but please take the size that fits best. We do not anticipate doing another printing.
* TMC Meet Me Downtown finisher medallions for those who signed up for the Triple Crown and who finished MMD, but who did not get them at MMD.

Registration is picking up steam for the 46th Annual TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run, with only 532 openings remaining! Register online here and reserve your slot in this classic Tucson race through the foothills of the Rincon Mountains.

Registration now open for 46th TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day 8-Miler and 5k Walk/Run

Mar 7, 2015

Online registration is now open for the 46th TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day 8-Miler and 5k Walk/Run, scheduled for September 7th, 2015. This event annually hits its cap of 900 for the 8-miler and 400 for the 5k. (Thanks to SAR runner Frank Buchanan and SAR office manager Lucas Tyler for reminding us to open registration!!)

Saguaro Race Report

Sep 6, 2013

Click here for the super-long race report thanking all the volunteers and detailing the event. Or just read on for a quick overview of the race itself . . . Craig Curley Romps to Easy Victory in Second-Fastest Time in 44 Year-History of Saguaro Race.
Craig Curley won the TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day 8-Miler on Monday, running the second fastest time in the 44-year history of the race. Running alone through the light mist and distant lightening of Saguaro National Park East, his time of 41:43 narrowly missed his own course record of 41:39, set when he was a Pima Community College student in 2008. Using the race as a training run for the US National Marathon Championships next month in Twin Cities, Curley won $424 for his efforts on the hilly 8-mile loop.

Second place in the field of 900 runners went to Benson’s Trent Binford-Walsh in 43:59, while Stephen Schaefer, the 2011 champion, took third place in 46:08.

Amy Cole, a University of Arizona graduate student, took first place for the women in a time of 53:25 for her first victory at Saguaro. Second place went to former University of Montana runner, Aleta Jokisch, running in her first Tucson race. Margaret Smith, stationed at Fort Huachuca, took third place in 56:46.

Shane Carr defended his crown in the men’s 5k, while Jennifer Garcia-Girvan was the first place woman in the 5k.

Seven Arizona state 8-mile records were set on the day.

Produced by the Southern Arizona Roadrunners with help from more than 100 volunteers, Saguaro raised over $10,000 for local charities, including Friends of Saguaro National Park and Child and Family Resources.

Thank you for signing up for the 44th Annual TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run produced by the Southern Arizona Roadrunners. Below is a ton of important information about the event that takes place on Monday, Labor Day September 2nd at Saguaro EAST.

We’ll be updating the race details, so please check the SAR website and your email for additional information.

Check out the SAR facebook page Like us on Facebookand our Run Tucson twitter feed for quick updates.Follow us on Twitter

Before you dig into the details of race weekend, let’s take a moment to honor some of the folks doing the race. Below is a list of those who are over 70 years of age—how cool is it that Tucson’s running community is filled with such fit and active runners??? Our congratulations and admiration go to this special group of runners!

At the moment, 870 of you are running the 8-miler, while 413 are doing the 5k. This means that collectively you will run 8,175 miles, not including warm-up and cool-down. The average age is 42.43, and there are 10 Smith’s, 8 Johnson’s (and one Johnston), and 7 Rodriguez’s. Pretty cool if you ask me!!!

In terms of weather, it is supposed to rain on Sunday but be clear and sunny on Monday, about 79-degrees at the starting line.

On race day, don’t forget to thank all the volunteers who make this possible: all the National Park Service folks and the high school runners from Catalina High School, St. Augustine, and Sahuaro High School. If you get a chance, hi-five the Tucson Tri-Girls, the Tucson Ham Radio Society, and the massage volunteers from the Cortiva Institute.

And at registration, try to be nice to the volunteers from Wells Fargo, SAR, and The Workout Group who are on hand to help ensure a great race.

Speaking of SAR, won’t you please consider joining our non-profit? A part of the Road Runners Club of America, we’re a grass-roots, member-driven running club committed to making our region better through running. Members receive discounts to our races, a quarterly newsletter, discounts to many local businesses, and a cool t-shirt! See http://www.azroadrunners.org for details on membership.

If you are interested in improving your running, you should check out the SAR running groups page here for a listing of many of the groups in town. Of course, my wife Tia would be a great resource at The Workout Group, but there are some cool groups in town, from The Grinders or All About Running and Walking on the northwest side of town to the Running Shop in mid-town to Fleet Feet and ESTANDA on the far east and all sorts of others in between . . .

Time - 5:15-6:00 am packet pick up at the park; 6:27 start time for the 5k Fun Run/Walk; 6:32 start time for the 8-miler

Monday Morning Parking
The National Park Service is creating a DROP Zone (get it? Drop Runners Off at Park - DROP).

This way you can drop off a car-load of runners in front of Saguaro East, then go park.

Participants can park on Old Spanish Trail, Freeman Road, and Escalante. Please obey traffic laws and don’t park in driveways.

Please note that the Pima County Department of Transportation is monitoring the race to ensure that we are complying with safety and legal regulations. Please be thoughtful when you drive, when you park, and when you make your way to and from the Park.

Please be sure that you don’t block the bicycle lanes—keep your wheels to the outside of the road so that bike traffic is not impaired.

Remember, the later you arrive, the farther away from the starting line you will have to park.
Please be thoughtful and safe!

IMPORTANT: Please try to carpool—it will be easier and safer for all. MOST IMPORTANT: Do not bring pets to the event - and do not leave them in your car!!

Timing

Please put your bib number on the front of your shirt using the pins provided at registration. Greg Wenneborg is our official timer, and he is using the chip-based timing system from IPICO, so your bib will have an RFID tag on the back of the bib. Please leave this on your bib and don’t bend it!

6:10 5k line up at front, by flagpole. 8-milers line up behind them in leg speed order (5-minutes/mile at the front; 6-minutes/mile behind them, and so forth)

6:15 A few words from Head Ranger Paul Austin, Ross Zimmerman and the Zimmerman family, and Julia Strange from TMC—plus the announcement of the 2013 Spirit of Rob Bell Award.

6:27 5k Run/Walk start (note, all under 10 children need to have a waiver submitted - parents can do this at registration)

6:32 8-miler start, again the course is tight, so if you are going to try to win, you may line up at the start—5-minutes/mile at the front; 6-minutes/mile behind them, 7-minutes/mile, and so forth)

7:00 All post-race snacks are provided by Tucson Medical Center, Sprouts Farmers Market and JulieBar, with drinks by Culligan Water, ice by WaterMart.

8:30 (approx) Children’s Dash, presented by Craig Dabler Jewelers. This is a playful 100 - 200 yard dash. No need to sign up ahead of time. Waivers will need to be signed this year—we’ll handle that at the start of the Children’s Dash. Location to be announced.

9:00 Official course closure—the National Park Service reserves the right to pick up any participants still on the course at 9:00 am.

Course and Staging Information

Headphones: Headphones are strongly discouraged—not only is it unsafe to run without one of your main senses, we want this to be a fun, community event—so talk with the strangers you are running with, then outsprint ‘em to the finish!!

The 8-Mile Course is hilly, so please be prepared for the sun and the heat.

If you plan on being on the course for more than two hours, please bring your own water to ensure your safety. There are no strollers allowed on the course. Please start the race in approximate order of your estimate minutes-per-mile, with the fastest runners at the front. (Thanks to Dave Hill for ensuring that we are a measured course—USATF has certified and sanctioned the 8-mile course distance.)

5k Run & Walk: this course covers a flatter (but still rolling) course that is suitable forstrollers and families. This is an out-and-back with a 180-degree turnaround down by the picnic ground. NOTE: strollers are allowed on the 5k course only.

About 40 minutes into the 5k the 8-mile lead runners will start to pass you—please give them the right-of-way.

Strollers and walkers—please stay to the left on the route on both the out and the back - this will ensure that the 8-miler leaders can pass you during their final racing mile.

No bicycles, wheelchairs, skateboards, roller skates or pets allowed on the 8 mile or 5k course.

Water Stations - Long-time friend of Tucson running, Culligan Water will be located at approximately 2, 4, 6 and 7 miles—and the 1 & 2 mile marks in the 5k. Students from Sahuaro High School Cross Country will be at the 2, 4, and 6 mile marks. We will also have students from Catalina High School on hand to help out!

Thanks to long-time race friend, the Tucson Tri-Girls for handling the water stations at mile 7, which is also the 1 and 2 mile mark for the 5k. Thanks to the cross country runners at St. Augustine High School for coordinating the refreshing Culligan water at the start/finish line.

We will have plenty of refreshing ice courtesy of Josh at WaterMart.

We’ll also have the Ham Radio Society of Tucson out at all the water stations and the finish line.

Rural Metro provides a dedicated ambulance at the finish line.

Thanks to Waste Management, we have more port-o-johns than ever before, including one at the 4 mile mark. Please do not use the desert to relieve yourself: the Park Servi ce may fine you - and a snake may bite you!!

After the race, enjoy free massages from the Cortiva Institute. Check out Dr. Chris Cox’s tent for some chiropractic and massage care! Visit with the Tucson Racquet and Fitness Club booth to see how you can become a member at the Tucson tradition, the Racquet Club.

Be sure to use the garbage and recycling containers provided by Waste Management.

The National Park Visitor Center will open at 6:30 am this year. PLUS, all participants receive a 10% discount on any 2011 saguaro flagVisitor Center merchandise (except pottery), thanks to
the Western National Parks Association. A portion of those proceeds also go back to Saguaro.

PLUS—this year the Park Service is providing cool water bottles for $3, and a host of raffle prizes—head to the Visitor Center for all the cool stuff.

Your one-day park pass is included in your registration, so there is no need to purchase an additional park pass.

By the way, approximately 1% of the Park’s total fee revenue comes from this single event.
Saguaro Chief Ranger Paul Austin has been a true friend to the fitness community and deserves our appreciation. Darla Sidles, Superintendent of Saguaro National Park, have been instrumental in allowing us to have this unique treasure of an event. If you see a Park Service employee, please thank them for their efforts.
Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown
Saguaro is the second event in the 2013 Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown, to be followed by the TMC Get Moving Tucson Half-Marathon and 5k. Thank you to all Triple Crown participants for honoring Gabe Zimmerman and helping to contribute to his favorite organization, Child and Family Resources. Those who have not picked up their Run Tucson Triple Crown t-shirts can pick them up on Monday at the race site.
Sponsors

TUCSON MEDICAL CENTER A special thanks to Tucson Medical CenterMMD TMC tent for all their support of the Southern Arizona Roadrunners and the local health and fitness community. This race could not have such low entry fees without the support of TMC.

After the race, grab a free massage from the student massage therapists at the Cortiva Institute, and visit with The Running Shop, the Friends of Saguaro, Chris Cox Chiropractic, Tucson Racquet Club, and our friends at the Tucson Medical Center tent.

The Park Service will also have two areas to visit, so check them out - cool skulls, skins and other fun things. . . .

SAR will announce the winner of the 2013 Spirit of Rob Bell Award at the race.

The 8 Miler is part of the Desert Grand Prix presented by the Running Shop.

Technical Shirts: The shirt is a technical shirt produced by award-winning Leslie Jordan Designs, in both men’s and women’s sizing. First come, first served in terms of sizing!!

Race Hotel

Looking for a place to spend Sunday night? Award-winning guest ranch, Tanque Verde Ranch, is offering all Saguaro participants a discounted week-end, single-night, or all-inclusive package. Contact LeighAnn at 520-731-5562. See http://www.tanqueverderanch.com for details.

Awards

RACE DIRECTOR GLORY DAYS 20TH ANNIVERSARY PRIZE MONEY:

Twenty years ago I moved to Tucson for grad school at the UA and ran my first SAR race, at the time called the Saguaro National Monument Run. (The SAR race director back then was Elisa Kinder, a monumental leader for the Tucson running community.) Twenty years ago I got whupped over the final three miles by a guy wearing “Strapped Jock Reebok” gear, a guy who would go on to be my best friend and long-time colleague, Greg Wenneborg. Greg is now known as the timer for all SAR events and the Pima Community College Cross Country and Track coach, but he is also a three-time Olympic Trials Marathoner who has won Saguaro 9 times.

To recognize this 20 year anniversary, prize money is being awarded to the first runner who can beat my own time from way back when, plus an adjusted time for the women.

Thus, the first man who breaks 42:48 will receive $424.80, and the first woman who breaks 50 minutes will receive $500.

Who will do it? Local Olympians Abdi Abdirahman or Bernard Legat? Or Saguaro course record holder, Craig Curley? Over the past 20 years, Greg Wenneborg has 9 victories on the course, with his first in 1992 and his most recent in 2007. Brian Grosso and Bassirimo Soro have won it twice, with other winners over the past 20 years including Craig Curley, Jayson Fultz, Ian Johnson, Jason Colavito, Tim Finnegan, Stephen Schaefer, and Damon Vasilaw.

For the women, could it be Paula Morrison, who has won the race 5 times with a best of 50:10? Word on the street is that a newcomer to Tucson is ready to rip it up. The women’s race has been dominated by Paula, who has won it 5 times, with three-time winners Carolyn Collman and Tia Accetta, and local standouts such as Lisa Warneke, Tracy Riccitello, Caroline Gardiner, Gina Slaby, Pam Golden, and Karla Sokolovich.

Raffles - All preregistered participants will be entered into a raffle for prizes to be given out at the awards ceremony. Prizes courtesy of the Visitor Center, Ben’s Bells, and The Running Shop, including $25 gift certificates to be used for miscellaneous volunteer and participant raffle

$50 Cash - Given to the fastest male and female who equals or betters their age in time (+10 minutes for women).

Friends of Saguaro National Park, the not-for-profit fundraising partner of the National Park Service at Tucson’s Saguaro National Park

National Park Service: The National Park Service has been gracious about allowing us access to the beautiful park. The Park Service asks that all participants pay the standard $5 entry fee to the park. This amount will go directly to the National Parks Service.

Where does your Park Service Money Go? By Jeff Wallner, Park Guide

Have you enjoyed a picnic in the shade of a historic shelter at Signal Hill? Have you learned about the natural and human history of the Saguaro from signs along the Freeman Homestead trail? Are you better informed by the new trailhead exhibits and maps found throughout Saguaro National Park? If so, you are enjoying facilities provided by park entrance fees, paid by you and other visitors to Saguaro National Park.

Like hundreds of recreation acres across the country, Saguaro National Park operates under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004. Many visitors are familiar with the “Fee Demo” signs of an earlier law: the Fee Demonstration Program. Under both programs, 100% of all entrance fees are put to use in the park system, and at least 80% of the funds stay in the park where they are collected. Your fees are not returned to the government’s general fund.

The effects of time, use, and a rugged desert climate have been tough on the recreation facilities of the park. The picnic areas of the Tucson Mountain District were built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conversation Corps. The structures are wonderful, but historic saguaro rib armadas require special care. Facilities in the Rincon Mountain District were installed by the National Park Service in the 1950’s, when visitation was a small fraction of what it is today.

Projects paid for by fee dollars at Saguaro cover a wide range of visitor needs. Recently completed projects include new trailhead signs at the Broadway and Loma Alta Trails in the Rincon Mountain District, rehabilitation of eleven historic fireplaces at picnic areas in the Tucson Mountains, and installation of traffic safety signs throughout the park. Next year’s projects include trails maintenance and renovating the interpretative exhibits at the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center.

Whether you purchase a seven-day permit to the park, a Saguaro Annual Pass good for one year’s worth of visits, or the Interagency Pass to be used anywhere in the USA, you can be happy knowing that your fee dollars are used for projects directly related to the facilities and resource of your Saguaro National Park.

SAR Fall Race Updates, August 20th edition

Aug 12, 2013

* As of August 20th, only 111 slots remain for the TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run - mail in registration is now closed - sign up online here
* TMC, Sprouts Farmers Market, and JulieBar are providing post-race snacks at the TMC Saguaro Labor Day Run—run, get tired, then eat . . .
* Announcement about Tucson Move a Million Miles kick-off at Jim Click’s Run n’ Roll coming soon - sign up online here
* A-Mountain Training Runs every Monday night at Meet Me at Maynard’s—starting at 5:45 from Hotel Congress—open to all paces—bring your own water!
* Hill workouts every Wednesday night at Meet Me at La Encantada—be at MMLE by 5:45 Wednesday’s nights
* Last-chance registration for the 2013 Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown ends on August 25th—sign up for the final two legs online here
* Registration open for the Great Pumpkin Race—click here for details

Saguaro Glory Days 20th Anniversary Prize Money

Aug 4, 2013

RACE DIRECTOR GLORY DAYS 20TH ANNIVERSARY PRIZE MONEY: Twenty years ago I moved to Tucson for grad school at the UA and ran my first SAR race, at the time called the Saguaro National Monument Run. (The SAR race director back then was Elisa Kinder, a monumental leader for the Tucson running community.) Twenty years ago I got whupped over the final three miles by a guy wearing “Strapped Jock Reebok” gear, a guy who would go on to be my best friend and long-time colleague, Greg Wenneborg. Greg is now known as the timer for all SAR events and the Pima Community College Cross Country and Track coach, but he is also a three-time Olympic Trials Marathoner who has won Saguaro 9 times.

To recognize this 20 year anniversary, prize money is being awarded to the first runner who can beat my own time from way back when, plus an adjusted time for the women.

Thus, the first man who breaks 42:48 will receive $424.80, and the first woman who breaks 50 minutes will receive $500.

Who will do it? Local Olympians Abdi Abdirahman or Bernard Legat? Or Saguaro course record holder, Craig Curley? Over the past 20 years, Greg Wenneborg has 9 victories on the course, with his first in 1992 and his most recent in 2007. Brian Grosso and Bassirimo Soro have won it twice, with other winners over the past 20 years including Craig Curley, Jayson Fultz, Ian Johnson, Jason Colavito, Tim Finnegan, Stephen Schaefer, and Damon Vasilaw.

For the women, could it be Paula Morrison, who has won the race 5 times with a best of 50:10? Or Amy Cole, a top runner in town? The women’s race has been dominated by Paula, who has won it 5 times, with three-time winners Carolyn Collman and Tia Accetta, and local standouts such as Lisa Warneke, Tracy Riccitello, Caroline Gardiner, Gina Slaby, Pam Golden, and Karla Sokolovich.

Saguaro Update

Jul 26, 2013

AUGUST 2 UPDATE:
Gettin’ Ready for the 44th Annual TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run!
1) Thank you to all who voted for the color of the t-shirt. The SAR facebook page lit up with your suggestions, over 160 of them. It looks like we’ll order all three colors!
2) Speaking of Facebook, SAR VP Tim Bentley has created an event page here —spread the word about the hardest race in Tucson!
3) There are still a few hundred spots open for the race. You can register online here or register by mail.
4) I am sorry that our page does not have cool photos of the race, but the SAR pages are having some difficulty with photos this fall. Click on the SAR facebook page photo album for cool photos of past races.
5) The Cortiva Institute has once again agreed to bring out massage students to provide free massage to all participants after the race. So start running, get good and sore, and they will heal you up after the race!

Final news on Saguaro

ANNOUNCING OUR FIRST-EVER VIDEO CONTEST: We’re trying to develop a cool youtube channel, but so far, we don’t have a lot on it. We’re looking for a video chronicle of the 2011 TMC Saguaro National Park Race. So here’s the deal: bring your flip video or phone video or major motion picture boom, and make a video of the race. Submit it to http://www.youtube.com/runtucson by Friday. The race director will select the five best videos, track you down, and send the top five videos $50 cash on the barrel-head. How do we select the top 5? Don’t know yet—it will be some combination of popular vote and race directory whimsy . . .

The Southern Arizona Roadrunners will have a membership booth set up tomorrow—if you join tomorrow, you will receive a free technical shirt.

When: Monday September 5, 2011
Where: Saguaro National Park East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail Rd - see map for directions
Details:
5:15-6:00 am Packet pick-up at Saguaro Park EAST NOTE: There is no race day registration—and we cannot exchange numbers for a different runner at this late date.
6:10 5k line up at front, by flagpole. 8-milers line up behind them in leg speed order (5-minutes/mile at the front; 6-minutes/mile behind them, and so forth)
6:15 A few words from Ross Zimmerman and the Zimmerman family, a few words from Julia Strange from TMC, and the announcement of the 2011 Spirit of Rob Bell Award, presented by Performance Footwear
6:23 National Anthem by Kryshell
6:27 5k Run/Walk start
6:30 8-miler start
8:30 (approx) Children’s Dash, presented by Craig Dabler
8:45 (approx) Begin Spirit of Rob Bell Award presented by Performance Footwear, Raffle Prizes, and Awards

Parking
Participants can park on Old Spanish Trail, Freeman Road, and Escalante. Please obey traffic laws and don’t park in driveways or in the bike lane. IMPORTANT: Please try to carpool—it will be easier and safer for all. The later you arrive, the farther away from the starting line you will have to park. Please be thoughtful and safe - and carpool! Please do not bring pets to the event - and do not leave them in your car!!

Timing
Please put your bib number on the front of your shirt using the pins provided at registration. Greg Wenneborg is our official timer, and he will time the race the traditional computer-based way. He is also beta-testing a new RFID system, so your bib may also have an RFID tag on the back of the bib. Please leave this on your bib.

Please note that all the race materials have been prepared, so there is no longer any way to change your official distance.

Course and Staging Information
5k Fun Run/Walk is an out-and-back with a 180-degree turnaround down by the picnic ground. NOTE: strollers are allowed on the 5k course only. Strollers and walkers—stay to the left on the route. About 45 minutes into the 5k the 8-mile lead runners will start to pass you—please give them the right-of-way by staying to the left.

The 8-Mile Course is hilly, so please be prepared for the sun and the heat. There are no strollers allowed on the course. Please start the race in approximate order of your estimate minutes-per-mile, with the fastest runners at the front. (Thanks to Dave Hill for coming out early Monday and dropping all the mile markers!)

No bicycles, wheelchairs, skateboards, roller skates or pets allowed on the 8 mile or 5k course.
Water Stations - Long-time sponsor Culligan water will be located at approximately 2, 4, 6 and 7 miles—and the 1 & 2 mile marks in the 5k. Cytomax will also be provided at the four-mile mark. Cytomax is an advanced sports drink formula that buffers acid buildup and provides optimal hydration and sustained energy while delivering essential electrolytes for optimal hydration. Thanks Cytomax!
Thanks to SAHUARO HIGH SCHOOL, the Tri-Girls, and Santa Rita High School for handling the water stations. SAHUARO will be at the 2- and 4-mile marks—perhaps in costume with a uekelele again . . . and thanks to St. Augustine High School for coordinating the refreshing Culligan water at the start/finish line.

We’ll also have the Ham Radio Society of Tucson on course keeping an eye on things, plus a dedicated ambulance from Rural Metro at the finish line. Thanks to Waste Management, we have more port-o-johns than ever before, including one at the 4 mile mark. Please do not use the desert to relieve yourself: the Park Service may fine you - and a snake may bite you!!

The Visitor Center will open at 6:30 this year, the earliest they’ve ever opened. PLUS, all participants receive a 10% discount on any Visitor Center merchandise (except pottery), thanks to the Western National Parks Association. A portion of those proceeds also go back to Saguaro. Win, win!

Your one-day park pass is included in your registration, so there is no need to purchase an additional park pass.

By the way, approximately 1% of the Park’s total fee revenue comes from this single event.
Rincon Mountain District Ranger Paul Austin has been a true friend to the fitness community and deserves our appreciation. Chief Ranger Bob Love and Darla Sidles, Superintendent of Saguaro National Park, have been instrumental in allowing us to have this unique treasure of an event. If you see a Park Service employee, please thank them for their efforts.
Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown
Saguaro is the second event in the inaugural Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown, to be followed by the TMC Get Moving Tucson Half-Marathon and 5k. There are 591 registrants for the Triple Crown, raising almost $6,000 for Child and Family Resources. Thank you to all Triple Crown participants for honoring Gabe Zimmerman and helping to contribute to his favorite organization, Child and Family Resources.
Those who have not picked up their Run Tucson t-shirts can pick them up at The Running Shop.

Sponsors
TUCSON MEDICAL CENTER A special thanks to Tucson Medical Center for all their support of the Southern Arizona Roadrunners and the local health and fitness community. This race could not have such low entry fees without the support of TMC.
Thanks, too, to new sponsor AAA Arizona . AAA Arizona is sponsoring the three races of the Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown.

Miscellaneous
After the race, enjoy Muscle Milk, ACTIVATE drinks, and plenty of snack food from Sunflower Market and local entrepreneur JulieBar. Grab a free massage from the student massage therapists at the Cortiva Institute, and visit with The Running Shop, Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection, Watershed Management, Friends of Saguaro, our friends at Ragnar Relay, and Ben’s Bells and Beads of Courage. In particular, please be sure to visit the Tucson Medical Center tent. Thanks to Kara Middendorf and Tile Outlet for letting us use her TILE OUTLET truck—and thanks to Josh at Watermart Ice for helping with all the ice needed for the event.

The Park Service will also have two areas to visit, so check them out - cool skulls, skins and other fun things. . . .

SAR will announce the winner of the 2011 Spirit of Rob Bell Award presented by Performance Footwear at the race.

The 8 Miler is part of the Desert Grand Prix presented by the Running Shop.

Looking for a place to spend Sunday night? Award-winning guest ranch, Tanque Verde Ranch, is offering all Saguaro participants a discounted week-end, single-night, or all-inclusive package. Contact LeighAnn at 520-731-5562. See http://www.tanqueverderanch.com for details.

Awards

Raffles - All preregistered participants will be entered into a raffle for prizes to be given out at the awards ceremony. Prizes courtesy of Ragnar Relays, Ben’s Bells, and The Running Shop, including $25 gift certificates to be used for miscellaneous volunteer and participant raffle

1st age group $30 Running Shop gift certificate (top three taken out of age groups)
2nd age group $20 Running Shop gift certificate
3rd age group $15 Worldly Soles gift certificate
Age Groups in the 8-miler are U-19, then 5-year increments to 80+

5K Fun Run
1st male and female receive $25 cash (winners taken out of age groups)
1st age group Running Shop goody bag
Age groups in the 5k are in 10-year categories

Beneficiaries
The Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection is an alliance of 35 local environmental and community organizations dedicated to achieving the long-term conservation of biological diversity and ecological function of the Sonoran Desert through comprehensive land-use planning in Pima County and the region.

Watershed Management Group offers an adaptive, collaborative approach to developing sustainable solutions wherever we may work. We work with local communities to identify and prioritize resource needs, foster individual and community investment, develop practical solutions, and enable action.

Friends of Saguaro National Park, the not-for-profit fundraising partner of the National Park Service at Tucson’s Saguaro National Park

National Park Service: The National Park Service has been gracious about allowing us access to the beautiful park. The Park Service asks that all participants pay the standard $5 entry fee to the park. This amount will go directly to the National Parks Service.

Where does your Park Service Money Go? By Jeff Wallner, Park Guide
Have you enjoyed a picnic in the shade of a historic shelter at Signal Hill? Have you learned about the natural and human history of the Saguaro from signs along the Freeman Homestead trail? Are you better informed by the new trailhead exhibits and maps found throughout Saguaro National Park? If so, you are enjoying facilities provided by park entrance fees, paid by you and other visitors to Saguaro National Park.

Like hundreds of recreation acres across the country, Saguaro National Park operates under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004. Many visitors are familiar with the “Fee Demo” signs of an earlier law: the Fee Demonstration Program. Under both programs, 100% of all entrance fees are put to use in the park system, and at least 80% of the funds stay in the park where they are collected. Your fees are not returned to the government’s general fund.

The effects of time, use, and a rugged desert climate have been tough on the recreation facilities of the park. The picnic areas of the Tucson Mountain District were built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conversation Corps. The structures are wonderful, but historic saguaro rib armadas require special care. Facilities in the Rincon Mountain District were installed by the National Park Service in the 1950’s, when visitation was a small fraction of what it is today.

Projects paid for by fee dollars at Saguaro cover a wide range of visitor needs. Recently completed projects include new trailhead signs at the Broadway and Loma Alta Trails in the Rincon Mountain District, rehabilitation of eleven historic fireplaces at picnic areas in the Tucson Mountains, and installation of traffic safety signs throughout the park. Next year’s projects include trails maintenance and renovating the interpretative exhibits at the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center.

Whether you purchase a seven-day permit to the park, a Saguaro Annual Pass good for one year’s worth of visits, or the Interagency Pass to be used anywhere in the USA, you can be happy knowing that your fee dollars are used for projects directly related to the facilities and resource of your Saguaro National Park.

Saguaro is closed!

Aug 30, 2011

Well, the TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run registration is now officially closed. Thanks to all of you who signed up for the race! We have more than ever before—twice as many as just a few years ago, in fact. Packet pick-up is Saturday at The Running Shop from 10-3 and on Monday at Saguaro East from 5:15 - 6:00. Missed the registration but still excited about racing? Then register for the flat and fast Jim Click Run n Roll at the UA on October 2nd. Or test yourself against A-Mountain and do the TMC Get Moving Tucson Half Marathon and the flat Tucson Lifestyle 5k on October 9. Check out the race pages for all the details.

Saguaro: 5k closed, and runner’s discount at Tanque Verde Ranch

Aug 26, 2011

Two news items: 1) Mail-in registration is now closed for both the 5k and the 8-miler, and the 5k has reached its cap, so the only online registration available is the 8-miler. The National Park Service is allowing us to raise the cap in the 8-miler, with all online registration closing at midnight September 2nd. At the end of online registration, we will know if we can have any in-person registration for the 8-miler. Again, there is no more 5k registration. Thanks to everyone who has signed up!

2) This year, Tanque Verde Ranch is offering Saguaro runners a special discount on Labor Day weekend. The guest ranch is about 5 miles from the race start – one left hand turn and down Freeman and there you are. Their regular single is $99, but LeighAnn, the marketing manager, said to contact her for special rates, including a full (and very, very good) breakfast plus their great swimming pools. Horse riding and other cool things are extra.
Contact information:
LeighAnn Kindberg, Director of Guest Services, Tanque Verde Ranch
direct: 520-731-5562http://www.tanqueverderanch.com/” title=“http://www.tanqueverderanch.com/”>http://www.tanqueverderanch.com/

Honored as Top Ten Family Resort by Travel Channel, 2008-2010
Finalist for Top Ranch by Conde Nast, 2010
Recognized as “Best of the West” by Cowboys and Indians Magazine, 2011
Featured on the Today Show as “Top Five Spring Break for Families”, 2011
Selected as Top Wedding Venue in Arizona, The Knot, 2010

Due to safety and parking concerns, the 2011 TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run is limited to 1200 participants. About 300 spots are still open—see the race page for details on registration.

The annual informal Saguaro training runs will start on Saturday, July 30th. Run or walk at your own pace. The main group will leave at 6:00 am. Meet in the parking lot by the visitor center—bring your own water and a park pass or $5 for a day visit. Carpool if you can. You can park on Old Spanish Trail, but please follow all Pima County and Park Service rules.

Rincon Mountain District Open Again

The Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Park has reopened after temporary fire closures to trail use in both the Cactus Forest as well as up into the Rincon Mountains. Temporary fire restrictions put in place prior to the closures are also lifted. Manning Camp at the top of the Rincon Mountains has received 1.23 inches of rain since June 29th, and the Rincon Mountain District visitor center has received 1.18 inches. The recent rainfall across the park has brought key fire indices in Saguaro National Park down to pre-closure levels, and weather forecasts predict continuing humid conditions and thunder showers for the next week.

While closures were in effect, fire crews responded to one lightning-caused fire and were able to contain it to 0.1 acres. As lightning continues with monsoon weather, there is still a risk of fire in Saguaro National Park. Fire crews will remain in position to respond to any reported fire activity. Though trails and campsites have reopened, fire officials warn that caution is still required by all who use the park backcountry. Park management also requests equestrian users avoid use of trails immediately following rain storms when trails are wet and muddy. Horse traffic through or around mud holes damages trail surfaces as well as surrounding vegetation and habitat.

For local fire restrictions and closure information for Federal, Tribal and State lands in Arizona and New Mexico, as well as additional information on southeast Arizona public lands, visit http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/.&nbsp; See also http://www.nps.gov

TMC Saguaro Rocks! Great job today, everyone . . .

Sep 6, 2010

Another World Record at the TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run—over 1,000 registrants and almost a thousand finishers! Congratulations to all who finished the 8-miler and the 5k—those hills are brutal—with no cloud cover, even! What an awesome group of runners, walkers, volunteers, National Park folks, ham radio operators, sponsors, and partners—and Wilbur and Wilma, too. We’ll have a full post-race report soon, with a detailed thanks to the over 80 volunteers who worked hard to make today such a great time, including the Tri-Girls, Sahuaro HS, Rincon HS, St. Augustine Catholic HS, plus Pima CC for excellent timing, Sharon Bart at the Running Shop, and the great WOG and SAR family!

A huge thanks to everyone involved—especially Julia Strange and all the great folks from Tucson Medical Center for helping fund the event!! Thanks, too, to the Daily Star and Caliente for all the promotion, plus 92.9 The Mountain and Cox Communications—and REI, Muscle Milk, Worldly Soles, XOOD sports drink, Culligan Water, and Sunflower Market!

Congratulations, too, to Craig Dabler for being named the 2010-2011 Spirit of Rob Bell Award recipient. Rob, we miss you!!

Check out the SAR facebook page for hundreds of race photos—thanks to Tim Bentley and everyone else for posting photos and race updates!

TMC Saguaro 2010 Updates: Labor Day Registration and more details on the race

Sep 4, 2010

We are super-excited about the 41st TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run scheduled for Labor Day Monday. All indications are that this will be the most popular Saguaro ever, with over 1,000 registrants. It should be a blast, so come on out! Below are some details for the weekend.

Registration
You can still register for the race on Monday morning at Saguaro National Park East from 5:00-6:00 am. If you have not paid, you will need to pay at the front gate and take a ticket to the maintenance yard to pick up your bib number and t-shirt. If you have already paid, walk through the main gates, head to the maintenance yard, and the team of volunteers will take care of you.

• We’re giving away Zorrel technical shirts, the same given away at the Cinco de Mayo 10k (the planned New Balance shirts were out of stock). The race shirts are a poly-blend designed to wick moisture; unfortunately, as with almost every clothing item these days, they run on the small side.
• Remember: put your bib number on the front of your shirt!

Monday Parking and Travel
Please try to car-pool and please do not park in driveways or on the bike lanes. Pima County Sheriff deputies will be on hand to ensure safety, so be considerate of others, obey traffic laws, and be safe when traveling from your vehicle to the race site.

Coming from Phoenix or elsewhere? Check out the race hotel, JW Marriott Starr Pass, for discounts. See the race page for details.

Event Day Schedule
• 5:00-6:00 am Registration
• 6:20 Announce winner of the 2010 Spirit of Rob Bell Award, presented by Performance Footwear
• 6:23 National Anthem
• 6:27 5k start
• 6:30 8-miler start
• 8:30 Kid’s Race
• 8:45 Begin Spirit of Rob Bell Award, Raffle Prizes, and Awards** Raffle prizes have been donated by REI, the Running Shop, Worldly Soles, and Ben’s Bells, plus a few free entries to upcoming SAR races. We’ll have awards for both races - no double-dipping, so overall age group winners will be pulled out from the age group awards.

Miscellaneous
The race starting area will be crowded, so please line up according to expected pace per mile, with 5-minute milers at the front of the line.

No dogs are allowed so don’t bring the pooch! For safety sake, strollers are OK in the 5k, but not the 8-miler. Wheelchair athletes are welcome—but please no bikes, roller blades or anything else with wheels. Headphones are discouraged - if you must wear them, please leave one ear free for safety.

Culligan has donated plenty of refreshing water, with aid stations at approximately 2, 4, 6, and 7 miles. Thanks to Sahuaro High School for handling 2 and 4, Santa Rita High School for handling marker 6, and the Tucson Tri-Girls for handling the 7-mile mark and the 5k turn-around. St. Augustine High School Cross Country team will also be on the course, and we’ll also have the Ham Radio Society of Tucson on course, plus a dedicated ambulance from Rural Metro at the finish line.

Thanks to Waste Management, we have more port-o-johns than ever before, including one around the 4 mile mark.Please do not use the desert to relieve yourself: the Park Service may fine you - and a snake may bite you!!

After the race, enjoy Muscle Milk, XOOD, and plenty of snack food from Sunflower market. Grab a free massage from the massage therapists at the Cortiva Institute, and visit with The Running Shop, REI, Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection, Watershed Management, Ben’s Bells, and event partners.

In particular, please be sure to visit the Tucson Medical Center tent and snag some give-away plunder - TMC has become a leading sponsor of SAR events and their commitment to the health and wellness of our region is to be commended.

The Park Service will also have two areas to visit, so check them out - cool skulls, skins and other fun things. . . .

Weather: The Weather Channel claims it will be around 75 at race start, with a daytime high of only 91.

Questions? Email or call .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), SAR race director at 520-991-0733

TMC Saguaro 2010 Updates: Training runs every Sunday and new 5k

Training runs on the Saguaro course start Sunday, August 1st at 6:00 am and go every Sunday through August. The informal and free runs are led by long-time SAR member Bill Cuculic, though you can run or walk your own pace. Bring a few dollars for the park entry (or buy an annual park pass for $25 and receive $5 off your Saguaro race entry) and try to car-pool so that runners don’t overwhelm the parking spots. Have fun and meet new friends as you prepare for this Tucson tradition!

The TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run also announces a one-year experiment: the 2-mile fun run/walk has been changed to a 5k run/walk, complete with overall and age-group prizes. If you’re not quite ready for the hilly 8-miler, come on out and do 3.1 miles—the out-and-back starts a few minutes before the 8-miler and will head counterclockwise, with the turn-around down by the picnic area. The rolling hills and fine for strollers, kids, and runners/walkers of all abilities!